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How to Repair Double Glazed Windows If your double glazing is draughty, difficult to open, or has dropped or sagged, it could require repair. Tradesmen with the right qualifications are able to repair or replace hinges mechanisms, handles, and seals. It is possible to do some repairs yourself, however it's usually more time-consuming than having a professional complete it for you. It is also less hazardous. 1. Broken Panes Double pane windows rely on the space between them to create an airtight seal. This helps keep the heat inside and the cold out. This seal can become damaged if it is subjected to extreme temperatures or an impact. This is why it's so crucial to repair double pane windows cracks immediately when they start to begin to appear. A small crack can get worse over time and eventually result in a broken window. If you've got a damaged pane, you should get in touch with an expert. They'll be able to locate an appropriate replacement window that will fit your frame. Then, they'll install the new pane and make sure it is secure. Before installing a new window, it is important to take off any old metal or putty glazing points. Wearing eye protection and gloves is recommended for this work. Make use of a paint scraper that is a pull type or an old chisel to pry out the old putty. You can use a heating gun to soften the putty and prevent it from cracking. Once the putty has been removed, you'll have to clean the grooves and sand them. Then, you can apply silicone caulk for durability. You can order a brand new window pane from your local hardware or home improvement store. Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size window you require for your home. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch from all sides, so you can determine the exact measurements required for a replacement window. You might end having windows that don't fit properly and expose your home to the elements. 2. Condensation Condensation is a problem that many double glazing owners will face at some point during their windows' life span. This is usually caused by the absence of air circulation or humidity issues that causes cold surfaces like windows to attract moisture. This is particularly a problem in bathrooms, where excess steam will flow through your window and cool down to form condensation on the glass surface. Since this moisture is trapped in the space between the panes of glass this can cause heat to be lost from your home or building and result in higher energy bills for you. If this condensation is left untreated, it could result in damp and mould in your home. You should open your windows daily in the morning, unless it is extremely cold. and ensure that you keep the vents for trickle vents open when you go out. You can also install dehumidifiers at home to absorb excess water and prevent it forming on surfaces such as your double-glazing. In more serious instances, you may have to replace your double-glazed windows completely in the event that the seal between the two panes has broken. This is a costly fix however it will make your home or building energy efficient and warm. If you've recently had double-glazed windows installed, make sure to see if they are still covered under warranty, because this means the window units will be replaced for free by the installers. Avoid DIY fixes for condensation because this could void the warranty. 3. Leaks Seeing water droplets or mist between the panes of your double-glazed is a sign that there is a problem with the window's seals. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should replace the window. It is fixable by replacing the caulking. The main cause of this problem is due to the varying temperatures that cause the frames of double glazed doors and windows to expand and contract. This can result in gaps appearing in the frame, which can eventually allow water into the home. Another reason is that, over time, the gas used to insulate the window can become dislodged, and this can again create an air draught, and allow moisture into the home. If you find that your double-glazed windows are becoming difficult to shut or open and are unable to close, then wiping them down with cold water could help temporarily fix the issue until warmer weather returns. In most instances, double-glazed windows and doors will be covered by a warranty from the company who installed them. If you're experiencing issues with your double glazing that falls under this guarantee, then be sure to contact them as soon as you can. It is best to do this via phone or in person, and then followed-up with an email describing the problem and the date it first became apparent. This will avoid confusion in the future, if there is a dispute regarding what is or isn't covered under your guarantee. This will ensure that the business that did the work takes your complaint seriously. If you've not received a satisfactory answer from the company who supplied you with double glazing, it might be worth looking for an alternative tradesman recognized by Checkatrade. 4. Hardware Damaged A double-glazed window is made up of two glass panes, separated by spacer bars, and a gap filled with an gas that is insulating. It is mounted in a frame made of uPVC or aluminum. As time passes the hardware will be loose, and a door or window that isn't able to open can be annoying. If a double-glazed window breaks, the cost of replacing it can add up. Window repair companies charge between $50-$80 per hour to remove the old window and replace it with a brand new one. The exact cost will depend on the size, shape and thickness of the window and also the quality and design of the surrounding frame and sash. The cost of the repair will also depend on whether the window is single-hung or double-hung. Windows that are taller or require roof access will be more expensive to repair since the repair technician requires additional tools and safety precautions. When a double-glazed window is repaired the installer will clean the surface of the new pane before sealing it. The installer will apply silicone around the edge to ensure that the seal is watertight. This is particularly crucial for windows situated on the ground floor of a building, since condensation can form in the bottom frame. Another way to ensure your windows look nice is to paint them frequently with the highest quality paint. This will help protect windows from fading caused by UV radiation and will keep them looking fresh and shiny for a longer period of time. Double-glazed windows can also make your home more quiet and can increase its value on the market by making it more energy efficient and comfortable for potential buyers to reside in. 5. Glass damaged Double-glazed windows are supposed to provide insulation for your home, keeping cold air out and warm in. This reduces the amount sunlight that enters a room and protects your furniture from damage caused by sunlight. But sometimes, glass can get broken. Perhaps a pebble bounces off a lawnmower or strimmer and breaks a pane. Perhaps a child throws a ball against it or a collision occurs. A window that is broken is an inconvenience. Often, a cracked pane can be repaired with epoxy or another similar product. It is crucial to wash the area and remove any old putty from surrounding it prior to applying the new epoxy. You can soften the putty by using a cotton soaked in linseed or a heat gun. You can then scrape off the pieces of glass that have split and then chisel the edges to get rid of the old putty. Apply glazier to the crack and spread it across the entire surface. Press it firmly, working it into the crack. Let the epoxy completely dry before installing the replacement pane. Make sure the pane you are replacing is exactly the same size as the original. If you are replacing a lead glass panel, gently bend the H-shaped lead back over it. If you are not comfortable performing these DIY repairs or if the damage to your windows is extensive and beyond repair, then it's best to seek professional help. Checkatrade makes it simple to find a reliable and skilled tradesperson. Simply type in your postcode and details of the job and you can be connected with local experts in seconds.